Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
-Matthew 19:14
Esvin, aged 9, weighs 20 lbs. That’s not a typo–twenty pounds. He has mental and physical disabilities that keep him in his bed/crib most of the time, esp when there are not enough volunteers. He’s got diaper rashes, and just got over an infectious skin disease. (Today was actually the first time anyone was allowed to handle him w/o wearing rubber gloves–me.) He’s the first to get shafted, since he can’t communicate with you, nor a cute baby.
While teams Hot Mess and 180 dug trenches, Erika, Haley and I volunteerd at Casa Jackson, a hospital for malnutritioned children (some with disabilities).
I fed him, bathed him (well, attempted to), changed his diaper, and sang and read to him. For the most part, I just held him, and carried him around. Most of the times, Esvin looks around a lot, and moves his hands and fingers like most people with mental disabilities. I’d keep my hand out toward him, and he’d grab my hand, or run his fingers through mine.
Then I started tell him in broken Spanish, “God loves you, Jesus loves you, and I love you. Will and Esvin are friends.” The amazing thing is after having said this, Esvin stopped looking around, and fixed his eyes on mine. I looked back, and repeated myself 3, 4 times until he finally turned away. For that brief moment, I knew that Esvin unerstood me. I knew that God had not forgotten about Esvin. I continued to pray for Esvin’s frail legs, deformed torso, and his future.
In the afternoon, I cared for babies between the months of 6-9, but all looked as if they were premature babies. Having no clothes, most of them were swimming in clothing way too large. There are no specific diaper sizes, just small, large, or whatever is available. (more photos in facebook)
Instead of a baby bottle, we had to use syringes (if we were lucky), or plastic spoons to fee them every 2 hrs. It took us almost 30 mins for every feed. There is no a/c, colourful mobiles, or real toys.
Children in this circumstances, isn’t my calling, but it does break my heart to experience it first hand. It’s not easy raising a child. It’s not easy caring for those with disabilities, but they are worth every ounce of love we would give someone without any.
Miss you all. Please continue to pray and support me. Thank you
